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Axios
6 days ago
- Business
- Axios
WNBA expansion teams are entering a league transformed
When Cleveland's WNBA team takes the court in 2028, it will enter a league vastly different from the one the Rockers unceremoniously exited in 2003. Why it matters: This time around, the yet-to-be-named team — along with forthcoming expansion teams in Toronto, Portland, Detroit and Philadelphia — can expect a larger fan base, bigger paychecks and brighter spotlights. The big picture: Ownership groups in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia each ponied up $250 million to secure expansion teams announced earlier this month, record-breaking sums that speak to the explosive growth of a league that was once a backwater and a laughingstock. It's now the hottest brand in pro sports. Owners who in the early aughts struggled to find investors for their distressed assets are now clambering for a piece of a rapidly expanding pie. Driving the news: This weekend's WNBA All-Star Game will feature Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark — one of the biggest reasons for the league's surging popularity — captaining a team on her home court, though she is questionable to play after an injury Tuesday. The 18,000-seat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis sold out within hours. Flashback: In 2003, the Cleveland Rockers' average attendance was 7,400 per game, a stat juiced by discounted and complimentary tickets. The Rockers were one of the WNBA's eight charter franchises, but failed to turn a profit in each of their seven seasons. Team owner Gordon Gund, who also owned the NBA's Cavaliers, cut ties shortly after that season, and the team folded when Gund and the WNBA were unable to find local investors to assume ownership. Between the lines: Gund was not alone. The WNBA had surfed a cresting wave of enthusiasm for women's sports after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but for years was unable to capture sports fans' sustained attention and spending power. Even the dynastic Houston Comets, who won the WNBA's first four championships, couldn't attract investors at an asking price of $12 million after the league took over the team in 2007. It folded a year later, to the dismay of its former stars. Fast forward: The landscape couldn't be more different today, as the WNBA monetizes the success of magnetic college superstars like Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. It's now the fifth-most popular league nationwide, behind only the men's big four leagues: the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Last year, the WNBA signed a lucrative media rights deal that will reportedly net it $200 million per year. Zoom in: Cavaliers CEO Nic Barlage told reporters in a press conference last week that the record-setting 2024 Women's Final Four in Cleveland was a good sign that the city was ready for a WNBA franchise. "Every key performance indicator we've looked at over the last three years has this trajectory that you haven't seen in and around a sports asset in quite some time," he said. "What was even more important to us was the way that communities engage with these assets. They really wrap their arms around these teams." What's next: Cities are doubling down on their investments with ancillary developments like practice facilities for their WNBA teams.
Indianapolis Star
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
See Matt Dial's photos through the years for IndyStar
Submitted By Todd Parrish Matt Dial, 48, picks up a camera inside the home of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse while attending Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, May 31, 2025. Dial, who photographed the Pacers when he worked at IndyStar, has terminal colon cancer. Matt Kryger Matt Dial, a former Pacers photographer who is in the late stages of colon cancer, was able to attend Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals with the help of friends. He poses with Pacers player Obi Toppin. Matt Kryger Matt Dial (left) with his wife, Shelley, at Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Submitted By Todd Parrish Noah Dial (right) at his first Indiana Pacers game with his dad, Matt Dial, during the 2005-2006 season. Noah Dial Dan Wheldon (98), driver for Bryan Herta Autosport, celebrates his win with son Sebastian, after winning his second Indianapolis 500. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Sister Cheryl Miller hugs Reggie Miller during his retirement ceremony. Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, April 20, 2005. Pacers win 85-83. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins, right, jumps into the arms of Devereaux Peters, left, as they defeated Connecticut. Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins shouts with excitement at the conclusion of the game at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rock musician John Mellencamp. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard T.J. Ford (5), right, scores a layup over Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby (10), left, during the second quarter. Pacers defeat the Hawks 113-96. Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, November 18, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Opening turn in the first lap of the race resulted in a collision among cars in the middle of the pack. The crash resulted in Ralf Schumacher exit from the race. The 8th running of the United States Grand Prix, Indianapolis, IN, Sunday, June 17, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy speaks to the media, NFL Scouting Combine 2007, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, February 23, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rider J.W. Kaler, of Benton Harbor, MI, rides bull "WHITER TRASH" during the first round of tonight's event. Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, February 23, 2013. Matt Dial/IndyStar Roger Penske, team owner of Penske Racing, watches from Sam Hornish Jr.'s pit box during Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers spoke with the media prior to the 2008 NBA Draft at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Matt Dial /The Star Penske driver Ryan Briscoe (6) signals to the crowd as the safety crew helps him exit his crash vehicle on the front stretch. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is surrounded by media for their final day of interviews with the media before Super Bowl Sunday. Media descends on the Indianapolis Colts, AFC Championship winners, speak to the media at their Marriott Harbor Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on February 1, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Brittany Mallory raises her arms at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Driver Danica Patrick after her final practice on Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Andretti-Green driver Danica Patrick enters pit row after her early practice laps. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar The Cirque Du Soleil pre-game show before Super Bowl XLI. Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Fla. Matt Dial/IndyStar Davey Hamilton takes a break from his practice runs under the shade of the pit box. Hamilton is attempting a comeback after suffering career ending injuries at Texas in 2001. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Nicky Hayden (69) team Repsol Honda led the early part of the race as the riders tried to avoid puddles on the track. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record-breaking jump was successful as the car flies past fans in the fourth turn. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar The WNBA Indiana Fever named Lin Dunn, left, head coach this afternoon. Speaking to the media about her decision to make Dunn the new head coach is Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf, right. The former assistant coach for the Fever is replacing Brian Winters. Regarded as one of the most successful women's basketball coaches in history, Lin Dunn has been named as the fourth head coach in Indiana Fever franchise history. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, December 12, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) held a town hall meeting at Plainfield High School, Plainfield, Ind., Saturday, March 15, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers forward-center Jermaine O'Neal (7), discusses a foul call with a referee. Pacers defeat the 76ers, 102-85. Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, December 19, 2007. (Matt Dial / Staff Photo) Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis 500 champion Scott Dixon celebrates with his team and team owner Chip Ganassi, right. Pole sitter Scott Dixon wins the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500. The 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 25, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Jimmie Johnson and his teammates celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane. Jimmie Johnson wins his second Brickyard 400. Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis, Ind., Sunday, July 27, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pat McAfee (1) was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 7th round. McAfee is a punter out of West Virginia. Colts draft choices were available to talk to the media at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, May 1, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Penske driver Will Power, after his qualifying run. Pole Day qualifications at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Saturday, May 18, 2013. Matt Dial/IndyStar Construction is wrapping up at Lucas Oil Stadium, the new home of the Indianapolis Colts. The public opening for tours on August 16 is a litte over a week from this date. This is an aerial skyline view of downtown Indianapolis from WTHR Chopper 13. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, August 6, 2008. (Matt Dial / The Star From WTHR Chopper 13) Deflation of the RCA Dome started at 10:50 a.m. in this photo sequence. The dome roof took about 40 minutes to settle. (Photo 4 of 6) RCA Dome deflation, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sits dejected on the bench as his team fails to get back into the game. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) does a few pull-ups on the rim as part of his pre-game ritual. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pop artist Kelly Clarkson during the press event. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rossi sprays Champagne to celebrate the victory on the podium. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Dario Franchitti leads the pack around lap 70. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Zionsville quarterback Parker Dunshee (10) is sacked by McCutcheon defensive end Taylor Miller (86) in the first half. Zionsville defeats McCutcheon, 24-3. Zionsville Eagles vs. McCutcheon Mavericks at Zionsville Community High School on August 27, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal walks off the court after participating in a game during a timeout. Tonight's game was Indianapolis Motor Speedway night. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Super Bowl XLVI is kicked off by the New England Patriots to the New York Giants in Lucas Oil Stadium. Super Bowl XLVI, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. Matt Dial/IndyStar
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Mike Patrick, longtime football and basketball broadcaster, dies at 80
Mike Patrick, ESPN's first play-by-play announcer for its NFL coverage, has died. He was 80. Patrick's physician and longtime friend sent a text to friends of the longtime announcer that Patrick passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, on Sunday due to natural causes. Patrick joined ESPN in 1982 and was with the network for 35 years. Former ESPN broadcaster Mike Patrick, center, is honored by Duke Senior Associate Director of Athletics Jon Jackson (L) and Duke Deputy Director of Athletics Mike Cragg during a game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Feb. 21, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Lance King / Getty Images "Mike Patrick called countless significant events over decades at ESPN and is one the most influential on-air voices in our history. In addition to calling ESPN's first-ever regular season NFL game and voicing the 'Sunday Night Football' franchise, Mike's work on college sports was exceptional," said Burke Magnus, president of content for ESPN. "For 36 years, he called football and men's and women's basketball, including the Women's Final Four and so many historic matchups between ACC rivals Duke and UNC. Our deepest condolences to Mike's family and his many friends throughout the industry." Even though he called countless college football and basketball games, he is best known for his work on ESPN's "Sunday Night Football" from 1987 through 2005. Patrick was teamed with Roy Firestone for the first season in 1987, before Joe Theismann became the lead analyst the following season. Paul Maguire came aboard in 1998 to make it a three-man booth. Patrick missed most of the 2004 season due to open heart surgery. NBC took over the Sunday night package in 2006 when ESPN became the home of "Monday Night Football." Dick Vitale called Patrick "Mr. ACC" because of his love for doing big games from the conference. "Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball, and I truly enjoyed sitting next to him calling so many special games over the years," Vitale said in a statement. Patrick also did play-by-play for the women's Final Four from 1996 through 2009 and the College World Series from 2003-14. Before joining ESPN, Patrick worked in radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and was the sports director at television stadiums in Jacksonville, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Patrick grew up in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor of arts degree in speech.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Remembering Mike Patrick: The Voice of ESPN's Sunday Night Football
Remembering Mike Patrick: The Voice of ESPN's Sunday Night Football On April 20, 2025, the sports broadcasting world lost a legend with the passing of Mike Patrick at age 80. Patrick, who died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia, had a 36-year legacy at ESPN, where his voice became synonymous with some of the most thrilling moments in sports. Most notably, he was the play-by-play announcer for ESPN's Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005, where he became one of the network's most influential voices. Patrick's journey began in 1982 when he joined ESPN, just three years after its inception. He had the honor of calling the network's first-ever regular-season NFL game in 1987, a matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, he launched ESPN's Sunday Night Football's 18-year run. Alongside analysts like Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire, Patrick's energetic delivery and insight brought games to life. His ability to capture the intensity of NFL Sundays made him a household name. Beyond football, Patrick had the same kind of excitement covering college basketball, where he called over 30 ACC championships, and the Women's Final Four from 1996 to 2009. "Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball, and I truly enjoyed sitting next to him calling so many special games over the years." said Dick Vitale, his longtime broadcast partner and who gave Patrick the nickname 'Mr ACC'. Patrick's final call was the 2017 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, marking the end of an illustrious career. His voice, a soundtrack to American sports, will echo in the hearts of fans forever.
Irish Daily Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Star
Tributes paid to legendary ESPN commentator Mike Patrick after death, aged 80
Veteran ESPN commentator Mike Patrick has passed away at the age of 80, it was announced on Tuesday. According to ESPN, Patrick's doctor confirmed that he died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia. Patrick had been off the air since 2017, with his final broadcast being the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017. Before his retirement, Patrick was the voice of ESPN's 'Sunday Night Football' coverage from 1987 to 2005. He also worked alongside Joe Theismann on ESPN's first NFL regular season game and spent many years partnering with Paul Maguire. The news of Patrick's passing was first shared by John Antonik, West Virginia University's Senior Director of Content, on social media. Antonik wrote on X: "Was passed along the very sad news from former broadcasting colleague Kevin Kiley that Mike Patrick passed away on Easter Sunday. Read More Related Articles Terry Bradshaw vows not to retire and lists three things he'll do until he dies Read More Related Articles Notre Dame star awaits NFL Draft shot despite ACL injury cutting season short "Although Mike didn't attend WVU, he was an unapologetic Mountaineer supporter and one the great broadcasters to ever call college and pro sports." The Athletic's Chris Vannini added on X: "RIP Mike Patrick, one of the great voices of ESPN college football in the 2000s and 2010s." ESPN's women's basketball reporter Holly Rowe shared her sorrow, starting her tribute with "This is heartbreaking. We spent many wonderful days mostly laughing then sprinkled in calling games. Mike Patrick was always an absolute delight." Fans and admirers of Patrick also expressed their condolences and offered prayers for his family. Former ESPN commentator Mike Patrick (C) died on Easter Sunday at the age of 80 (Image: Photo by) A fan reflected on their childhood memories, saying, "I grew up watching a lot of 'Sunday Night Football' as a kid and enjoyed Mike Patrick's calls with Joe Theismann in the booth," adding, "One of the best to do it in his field. Thinking of Mike Patrick's family, friends and colleagues." Patrick, who passed away recently, was not only known for his nearly two decades of 'Sunday Night Football' commentary but also for being a staple voice in ESPN's college sports coverage. He called over 30 ACC basketball championships and was a prominent figure in ESPN's Women's Final Four broadcasts from 1996 to 2009. In college football, Patrick lent his voice as the play-by-play announcer for 'Thursday Night Football' and 'Saturday Night Football,' as well as for the College World Series. Reflecting on his extensive tenure at ESPN, Patrick once shared his contentment and gratitude, remarking, "It's wonderful to reflect on how I've done exactly what I wanted to do with my life. At the same time, I've had the great pleasure of working with some of the very best people I've ever known, both on the air and behind the scenes." As he bid farewell to ESPN in 2018, he acknowledged his fulfilling career and cherished colleagues.
